Elf scam 'Mr Africa' freed from jail

7th January 2004, 0 comments

PARIS, Jan 7 (AFP) - Andre Tarallo, a former top executive at the French oil group Elf who was jailed for four years in November for corruption, was ordered released from prison Wednesday because of his failing health.

PARIS, Jan 7 (AFP) - Andre Tarallo, a former top executive at the French oil group Elf who was jailed for four years in November for corruption, was ordered released from prison Wednesday because of his failing health.

Tarallo, 76, who was known as Elf's Mr Africa because of his contacts on the continent, requires urgent medical attention for a cardiovascular problem that cannot be treated in prison, his doctors told the court of appeal.

The court ordered his release but said he should surrender his passport and remain at his home in Paris when out of hospital.

Tarallo was one of three senior figures at the formerly state-owned concern who were sent to jail for personally enriching themselves out of a Swiss-based slush fund.

The court turned down a plea by another of the three - Alfred Sirven, 77 - for an early release on medical grounds.